Fantasy Football Player Notes

The Commanders didn't address the running back room this offseason outside of drafting Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Robinson Jr. is the favorite to reprise his early-down role for Washington again in 2025. He was the RB28 in fantasy points per game last season. He enters a contract year, so for Washington and Robinson Jr.'s sake, I hope he can stay healthy this season. Last season, Robinson Jr. dealt with a hamstring issue and multiple knee ailments. In the ten games he played 40% or more of the snaps, he averaged 17.6 touches and 82.9 total yards. The injuries did impact his per-touch effectiveness as he ranked 35th in yards per touch, 31st in missed tackles forced, and 37th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In the ten games in the sample above, Robinson had the fourth-most carries inside the ten-yard line (69% of those carries for Washington). If he can stay on the field in 2025, touchdowns could carry him to an RB2 finish, but he's best viewed as an RB2/3.

Austin Ekeler was a nice surprise when on the field last year. He dealt with two concussions in 2024, which forced him to miss five games, but when active, he was the RB29 in fantasy points per game. He had some elevated usage in weeks where Brian Robinson Jr. was limited or out, so I think we can project some regression in 2025 if Robinson Jr. can put together a healthy season. Also, the addition of Deebo Samuel could cut into Ekeler's short-area passing game usage. Last year, Ekeler was 11th in target share and third in yards per route run among backs. I expect the target share to dip some. Ekeler is still a decent late-round flex flier.